Housing for a Connecting Unit

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a housing ( 1 ) for a connecting unit, particularly an electronic unit, having at least one first plug connector ( 2   a ) and a first plug axis ( 4   a ) of the first plug connector ( 2   a ), wherein the housing ( 1 ) comprises a first strip ( 6   a ), wherein a first longitudinal axis ( 8   a ) of the first strip ( 6   a ) is disposed in a first spatial plane ( 10   a ) with the first plug axis ( 4   a ) of the first plug connector ( 2   a ).

The present invention generally relates to embodiments of a housing for a connecting unit, in particular an electronic unit, having at least one first plug connector and one first plug axis of the first plug connector.

Known electronic units have one or more plug connectors for connecting the electronic units to sensors, actuators and/or indicator systems. The plug connectors are often not marked, making it impossible to exclude incorrect connection if there are similar plug connectors on an electronic unit.

It is therefore the underlying object of the claimed invention to provide a housing for an electronic unit with which the possibility of connecting the plug connector to the correct mating part on a connection member is simplified and/or improved by simple and economical means.

The object is achievable by providing a housing having a first strip, a first longitudinal axis of the first strip being disposed in a spatial plane with the first plug axis of the first plug connector. An advantage lies in the ease with which the “correct” plug connector for the corresponding connection member, e.g. a data bus connection, a sensor, an actuator and/or an indicator system, can be located is significantly improved by the first strip, and the orientation or extent of the first strip indicates the direction of motion for the connection member to be connected to the plug connector and hence facilitates or ensures correct connection.

The first strip facilitates visual perception of the disposition of the plug connector and guides the operator wishing to connect the plug connector to the connection member quickly and directly to the “correct” plug connector.

Another advantage lies in the fact that the first strip can be mounted economically in or on the surface of the housing of the electronic unit. In particular, the first strip can be integrated into the surface of the housing and hence be connected in one piece to the housing. This means that an additional component is not required for the first strip.

In one embodiment of the present invention, provision is made for the housing to have at least one second plug connector with a second plug axis and a second strip, a second longitudinal axis of the second strip being disposed in a spatial plane with the second plug axis of the second plug connector. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that the operator can also locate the second plug connector easily, quickly and directly with the aid of the second strip and connect it correctly to the relevant connection member. It is equally advantageous that the second strip can be mounted economically in or on the surface of the housing of the electronic unit or integrated into the surface of the housing, thus eliminating the need for an additional component for the second strip.

According to another embodiment, provision is made for the housing to have at least one third plug connector with a third plug axis and a third strip, a third longitudinal axis of the third strip being disposed in a third spatial plane with the third plug axis of the third plug connector. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that the operator can also locate the third plug connector easily, quickly and directly with the aid of the third strip and connect it correctly to the relevant connection member. It is equally advantageous that the third strip can be mounted economically in or on the surface of the housing of the electronic unit or integrated into the surface of the housing, thus eliminating the need for an additional component for the third strip.

According to a further embodiment, provision is made for the first, second and/or third strip to have a different surface finish from the housing surface. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that perception—especially visual perception—of the relevant strip relative to the housing surface of the electronic unit is enhanced. In a special embodiment of the invention, the surface finish of the strip or the relevant strips could be made smoother than the housing surface, and this would correspond to a lower Rz or Ra value of the strip than the Rz or Ra value of the housing surface. On the other hand, it is also possible to make the surface finish of the strip rougher than the housing surface, and this would correspond to a higher Rz or Ra value of the strip than the Rz or Ra value of the housing surface.

According to yet another embodiment, provision is made for the strip to be disposed in a manner recessed relative to the housing surface. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that the recessed disposition of the strip significantly enhances the visual perceptibility of the strip relative to the remainder of the housing surface. Another advantage of the development according to the invention consists in the fact that the recessing of the strip relative to the housing surface also provides perception by feel or touch. This can facilitate and render more reliable the connection of the plug connector to a mating part on the connection member where the locations for the installation of the housing in a vehicle are accessible only with difficulty.

According to a further embodiment, provision is made for the strip to be disposed in a manner raised relative to the housing surface. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that raising the strip significantly enhances the visual perceptibility of the strip relative to the remainder of the housing surface. Another advantage of the development according to the invention consists in the fact that the raising of the strip relative to the housing surface also provides perception by feel or touch. This can facilitate and render more reliable the connection of the plug connector to a. mating part on the connection member where the locations for the installation of the housing in a vehicle are accessible only with difficulty.

In another embodiment, provision is made for the first, second and/or third strip to have a legend. The advantage of this development of the invention is to be seen in the fact that the disposition of the legend in the appropriate strip or strips significantly increases and enhances the locatability and visibility of the legend. It is particularly advantageous if the legend includes the indication of the function of the corresponding plug connector or also information on the manufacturer. In a special embodiment of the invention, an identical plug connector, which can be produced economically as a mass produced item, can be used for the first, second and/or third plug connector, since incorrect connection of the respective plug connector can be very largely avoided by means of the strip or strips and the legend in or on the strips.

In the embodiment of a strip disposed in a recessed manner, the legend can be disposed in a manner raised relative to the strip surface, e.g. at the maximum as far as the limit of the housing surface. This enhances visibility and makes it easier to feel and hence improves recognition of the legend and of the strip and protects the legend from wear or damage due to external influences.

According to another embodiment, provision is made for the first, second and/or third strip to be disposed parallel to one another. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that all the mating parts on the connection members of the corresponding plug connectors have the same direction of insertion and this is easily identifiable.

In a further embodiment, provision is made for the first, second and/or third strip to be disposed perpendicularly to the first, second and/or third plug axis. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that it is also possible to dispose a corresponding strip on the housing surface to which a plug connector is oriented perpendicularly with its plug axis.

In a still further embodiment, provision is made for the first, second and/or third strip to be disposed so as to start from the first, second and/or third plug connector and to extend as far as an outline edge of the housing surface. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that, in terms of its extent, the respective strip fully utilizes the length of the housing and extends from the corresponding plug connector as far as the outline edge of the housing surface, thus enhancing the identifiability of the strip.

According to an additional embodiment, provision is made for the width (b1, b2, b3) of the first, second and/or third strip to correspond at the maximum to the width (B1, B2, B3) of the first, second and/or third plug connector. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that it is possible to infer the width of the associated plug connector from the width of the strip and vice versa, and this facilitates the identification of the associated plug connector by means of the respective strip.

In a further embodiment, provision is made for the first, second and/or third strip to be of the same width (b1, b2, b3). The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that the locatability of the strips is enhanced. The equality between the widths of the individual strips can also indicate that the associated plug connectors have the same function. Another advantage is that no greater significance is given to any strip over one or more of the other strips through having a different width, i.e. being wider, or being set back, i.e. narrower. Quick and easy location of all the plug connectors is nevertheless ensured by means of an associated strip, thus eliminating the possibility that the user will, through an oversight, forget to make contact with any of the plug connectors.

According to another embodiment, provision is made for the width (b1, b2, b3) of the first, second and/or third strip to correspond at the maximum to the minimum width (B1, B2, B3) of the first, second and/or third plug connector. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that there remains sufficient housing surface between the individual strips, thus making the individual strips easier to identify and distinguish.

In another embodiment, provision is made for the first, second and/or third strip to be disposed perpendicularly to the housing side with the higher number of plug connectors. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that the strip or strips start from the plug connectors on the housing side with the highest number of plug connectors, thus allowing a higher or the maximum number of strips on the housing surface. This allows enhanced identifiability of the plug connectors by means of the associated strips.

In a further embodiment, provision is made for the first, second and/or third strip to be disposed perpendicularly to the housing side with the greater width (B1, B2, B3) of the first, second and/or third plug connectors. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that the wider plug connectors allow for a greater width of the associated strips, a wider strip appearing to be more easily identifiable and it being possible to dispose the legend better in a wider strip.

In yet another embodiment, provision is made for the first, second and/or third strip to be disposed parallel to the longest housing side. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that the respective strip or strips are as long as possible, thus enhancing identifiability and facilitating and improving the accommodation of a legend within the strip.

In a still further embodiment, provision is made for the first strip to be disposed asymmetrically on the housing. Plug connectors are often very wide, extending over almost the entire width of the housing. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that the first strip is less than the width of the first plug connector, as a result of which the first strip takes up or fills only part of the housing surface and is therefore clearly delimited from the housing surface, enhancing and improving the identifiability of the first strip.

According to an additional embodiment, the first strip is at a distance d from the outline edges of the housing surface. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that the first strip is at a defined and constant distance from the outline edges of the housing, enhancing and improving the identifiability and distinguishing effect of the first strip in relation to the housing surface.

In a further embodiment, provision is made for the distance d to correspond to the width (b1) of the first strip. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the fact that the identifiability of the strip on the housing surface is improved by this predetermined distance.

The invention is not restricted to the use of a first, second and/or third strip on the housing surface of an electronic unit but also applies mutatis mutandis to a possible fourth, fifth, sixth strip etc. with a corresponding number of plug connectors. The embodiments of the invention also apply mutatis mutandis to these further possible strips.

Moreover, the inventive embodiments can also be employed with housings for pneumatic units, such as brake valves or brake modulators. In this case, the plugs are embodied as pneumatic plug connectors and the respective strip identifies the respective pneumatic plug connector and the direction of insertion thereof. Moreover, the embodiments and variants of the strips according to the invention can be applied mutatis mutandis to a connecting unit embodied as a pneumatic unit with an appropriately designed housing.

Illustrative embodiments and further advantages of the invention are explained in connection with the following figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a housing with three strips,

FIG. 2 a shows a sectional representation of the housing,

FIG. 2 b shows a sectional representation of the housing,

FIG. 3 shows a housing with one strip,

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a housing with one strip,

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a housing with two strips and two plug connectors,

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a housing with two strips and four plug connectors,

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a housing with two strips and three plug connectors,

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a housing with two strips and two wide plug connectors and two narrow plug connectors.

FIG. 1 shows a housing (1) for a connecting unit. The connecting unit can be designed as an electronic unit or as a pneumatic unit. The housing (1) has a first plug connector (2 a) with a first plug axis (4 a), a second plug connector (2 b) with a second plug axis (4 b) and a third plug connector (2 c) with a third plug axis (4 c). In this illustrative embodiment, the second plug connector (2 b) and the second plug axis (4 b) are disposed perpendicularly to the first plug connector (2 a), and the first plug axis (4 a) and perpendicularly to the third plug connector (2 c) and the third plug axis (4 c) and perpendicularly to the housing surface (1 a). A first longitudinal axis (8 a) of a first strip (6 a) is disposed parallel to the first plug axis (4 a), these parts being at a predetermined distance (not shown) from one another, with the result that the first plug axis (4 a) and the first longitudinal axis (8 a) form a first spatial plane (10 a).

The first longitudinal axis (8 a) forms the centre line of the first strip (6 a), which is disposed in the region of the housing surface (1 a) and is continued in part at the housing side (1 c). Starting from the housing side (1 c), the first strip (6 a) is disposed on the plug (2 a) so as to extend in the direction of the first longitudinal axis (8 a) as far as the outline edge (1 b) or housing side (1 c) of the opposite housing side (1 c). The first strip (6 a) has a legend (12) or an area for a legend (12). The legend (12) can be disposed in part of the first strip (6 a) or can be formed over the entire length of the first strip (6 a). The outline edge (1 b) is formed by the line of intersection of the plane of the housing surface (1 a) and the plane of the housing side (1 c), it being possible for the outline edge (1 b) to have a radius. The first strip (6 a) has a width (b1) which is less than or equal to the width (B1) of the first strip (2 a).

The second plug axis (4 b), which forms the centre line of the second plug (2 b), is oriented perpendicularly to the second longitudinal axis (8 b) of the second strip (6 b), with the result that a second spatial plane (10 b) is formed by these two axes (4 b, 8 b). The second strip (6 b) also has a legend (12). Starting from the second plug connector (2 b), which is disposed on the housing surface (1 a), the second strip (6 b) is formed so as to extend as far as one outline edge (1 b) of the housing (1) and is continued in part at the housing side (1 c). The width (b2) of the second strip (6 b) is less than or equal to the width (B2) of the second plug connector (6 b).

The third plug connector (2 c) is disposed on the same housing side (1 c) as the first plug connector (2 a). The third plug axis (4 c) of the third plug connector (2 c) is disposed parallel to the first plug axis (4 a) of the first plug connector (2 a). The third plug axis (4 c) is likewise disposed parallel to the third longitudinal axis (8 c) of the third strip (6 c) and, here too, there is a predetermined distance between the two axes (4 c and 8 c), with the result that the third plug axis (4 c) and the third longitudinal axis (8 c) form a third spatial plane (10 c). The legend (12) within the third strip (6 c) has approximately the same length on the housing surface (1 a) as the third strip (6 c).

Both the first strip (6 a), the second strip (6 b) and the third strip (6 c) are disposed in a manner recessed relative to the housing surface (1 a) by the depth (t). The continuation of the first strip (6 a), of the second strip (6 b) and of the third strip (6 c) at the housing side (1 c) is likewise disposed in a manner recessed relative to the surface of the housing side (1 c) by the depth (t). It is, of course, also possible to dispose the first strip (6 a), the second strip (6 b) and/or the third strip (6 c) at different depths (t) relative to the housing surface (1 a) and the surface of the housing side (1 c) or to reduce the depth (t) to the value zero. The surface finish of the first strip (6 a), the second strip (6 b) and/or the third strip (6 c) is preferably different, in particular rougher or less rough, than the housing surface (1 a) and/or the surface of the housing side (1 c).

FIG. 2 a shows a sectional representation through the housing (1) in FIG. 1 in the region of the first spatial plane (10 a). It is clearly apparent here that the first plug axis (4 a) and the first longitudinal axis (8 a) have a predetermined difference in level or are at a predetermined distance relative to one another and are disposed parallel to one another. The first strip (6 a) is disposed in a manner recessed relative to the housing surface (1 a) of the housing (1) by the depth (t). The legend (12) within the first strip (6 a) is disposed in a manner recessed relative to the housing surface (1 a) by the depth (t12) of the legend in order to protect the legend more effectively against damage or the like. Part of the first strip (6 a) is continued beyond the outline edge (1 b) at the housing side (1 c). The first strip (6 a) also has a depth (t) relative to the surface of the housing side (1 c) at the housing side (1 c). It is also possible to dispose the legend (12) in the region of the first strip (6 a) at the housing side (1 c).

FIG. 2 b shows a sectional representation through the housing (1) in FIG. 1 along the second spatial plane (10 b). The second longitudinal axis (8 b) of the second strip (6 b) is oriented perpendicularly to the second plug axis (4 b) of the second plug connector (2 b), with the result that these two axes (4 b, 8 b) form a second spatial plane (10 b). The second strip (6 b) is disposed in a manner recessed relative to the housing surface (1 a) of the housing (1) by the depth (t). In this case too, part of the second strip (6 b) is continued beyond the outline edge (1 b) along the housing side (1 c), the second strip (6 b) also being recessed relative to the surface of the housing side (1 c) by the depth (t) in the region of the housing side (1 c). The legend (12) takes up only part of the surface of the second strip (6 b) and is disposed in a manner recessed relative to the housing surface (1 a) by the depth (t12).

FIG. 3 shows a housing (1) in a plan view with a first strip (6 a) and a first plug connector (2 a). The first plug axis (4 a) of the first plug connector (2 a) is oriented at a predetermined distance parallel to the first longitudinal axis (8 a) of the first strip (6 a), with the result that these two axes (4 a, 8 a) form a first spatial plane (10 a). The housing (1) has a first side length (l1) and a second side length (l2), which in this case are identical. The first plug connector (2 a) has a width (B1) which almost corresponds to the side length (L2). The width (b1) of the first strip (6 a) is significantly less than the width (B1) of the first plug connector (2 a). Starting from the outline edge (1 b) or housing side (1 c) on which the first plug connector (2 a) is disposed, the first strip (6 a) is disposed so as to extend as far as the opposite housing side (1 c) or to a distance (d) from the opposite housing side (1 c). The first strip (6 a) is likewise disposed at a distance (d) from the housing side (1 c) or the outline edge (1 b) on the longitudinal side of the first strip (6 a). The distance (d) preferably corresponds to the width (b1) of the first strip (6 a). In the vicinity of the first plug connector (2 a), the first strip (6 a) has a legend (12). The first strip (6 a) can be disposed in a manner recessed or raised relative to the housing surface (1 a) of the housing (1) or at the same level as the housing surface (1 a). The legend (12) is preferably also disposed in a manner recessed relative to the surface of the strip (6 a) and/or the housing surface (1 a).

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the housing in FIG. 3 looking towards the first plug connector (2 a). The first strip (6 a) is disposed at a distance (d) from the left-hand housing side (1 c) at the height (h) relative to the housing surface (1 a) of the housing (1). The distance (d) corresponds to the width (b1) of the first strip (6 a). The first spatial plane (10 a) is formed by the first longitudinal axis (8 a) of the first strip (6 a), said axis extending in the direction of viewing, and by the first plug axis (4 a) of the first strip (2 a), said axis extending in the direction of viewing. The width (B1) of the first plug connector (2 a) is less than the second side length (l2) and greater than the width (b1) of the first strip (6 a).

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a housing (1) with a first plug connector (2 a), a first strip (6 a) associated with the said first plug connector (2 a), and a second plug connector (2 b) and a second strip (6 b) associated with the said second plug connector (2 b). The first plug axis (4 a) of the first plug connector (2 a) extends at a predetermined distance parallel to the first longitudinal axis (8 a) of the first strip (6 a). The second plug axis (4 b) of the second plug connector (2 b) extends at a predetermined distance parallel to the second longitudinal axis (8 b) of the second plug connector (6 b). The second plug connector (2 b) has a width (B2) which corresponds to the width (b2) of the second strip (6 b). The width (B1) of the first plug connector (2 a) is greater than the width (B2) of the second plug connector (2 b) and the width (b1) of the first strip (6 a). In this case, the width (b1) of the first strip (6 a) corresponds to the width (b2) of the second strip (6 b), and the maximum width (b1, b2) of the strips (6 a, 6 b) thus corresponds to the minimum width (B2) of a plug connector (2 b, 2 a). In the vicinity of the respective plug connector (2 a, 2 b), each of the strips (6 a, 6 b) has a legend (12).

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a housing (1) with a first plug connector (2 a), which has a first plug axis (4 a), with a second plug connector (2 b), which has a second plug axis (4 b), and with a third plug connector (2 c) and a fourth plug connector (2 d). The first plug connector (2 a) and the second plug connector (2 b) are disposed on the housing side (1 c) with the first side length (l1), which is less than the second side length (12). In this illustrative embodiment, the first width (B1) of the first plug connector (2 a), the second width (B2) of the second plug connector (2 b), the third width (B3) of the third plug connector (2 c) and the fourth width (B4) of the fourth plug connector (2 d) are the same. A first strip (6 a) with a first longitudinal axis (8 a) is associated with the first plug connector (2 a) and the first plug axis (4 a). The first plug axis (4 a) is disposed at a predetermined distance parallel to the first longitudinal axis (8 a), with the result that these two axes (4 a, 8 a) form a first spatial plane (10 a). The width (b1) of the first strip (6 a) corresponds to the first width (B1) of the first plug connector (2 a). In the region of the first plug connector (2 a), the first strip (6 a) has a legend (12).

The second strip (6 b) with the second longitudinal axis (8 b) is associated with the second plug connector (2 b) and the second plug axis (4 b). Here, the second plug axis (4 b) is disposed at a predetermined distance parallel to the second longitudinal axis (8 b), with the result that these two axes (4 b, 8 b) form a second spatial plane (10 b). The width (b2) of the second strip (6 b) corresponds to the second width (B2) of the second plug connector (2 b). The first strip (6 a) and the first longitudinal axis (8 a) are disposed parallel to the second strip (6 b) and the second plug axis (8 b). The first longitudinal axis (8 a) and the second longitudinal axis (8 b) are disposed parallel to the housing side (1 c) with the second length (l2), making it possible to dispose a first or second strip (6 a, 6 b) which is as long and hence as easily visible as possible on the housing surface (1 a) of the housing (1).

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a housing (1) with a first plug connector (2 a) and a second plug connector (2 b) and a third plug connector (2 c). The first and the second plug connector (2 a, 2 b) are disposed on the housing side (1 c) with the first side length (l1). The third plug connector (2 c) is disposed on the housing side with the second side length (l2). In order in this case to obtain a legend and marking of the plug connectors (2 a, 2 b, 2 c) which is as detailed and comprehensive as possible, the strips (6 a, 6 b) according to the invention are associated with the plug connectors (2 a, 2 b) on the housing side (1 c) with the higher number of plug connectors (2 a, 2 b) disposed thereon. A first strip (6 a) is associated in a known manner with the first plug connector (2 a), and a second strip (6 b) is associated in a known manner with the second plug connector (2 d), as described in the previous figures. In the region of the first plug connector (2 a) and of the second plug connector (2 b) respectively, both the first strip (6 a) and the second strip (6 b) have a legend (12), which allows an indication of the function of the respective plug connector (2 a, 2 b).

FIG. 8 shows a housing (1) with a first plug connector (2 a), a second plug connector (2 b), a third plug connector (2 c) and a fourth plug connector (2 d). The first plug connector (2 a) and the second plug connector (2 b) are disposed on the housing side (1 c) with the first side length (l1). The third plug connector (2 c) and the fourth plug connector (2 d) are disposed on the housing side (1 c) with the second side length (l2). Owing to the fact that the number of plug connectors (2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d) is the same on each housing side (1 c), the first and second strips (6 a, 6 b) are associated with the plug connectors (2 a, 2 b) with the greater width (B1, B2). This has the advantage of improved visibility and recognition. As described in the previous figures, a first strip (6 a) is associated with the first plug connector (2 a). As described in the previous figures, a second strip (6 b) is associated with the second plug connector (2 b). Although the first side length (l1) and the second side length (l2) are identical or equal in this illustrative embodiment, the first strip (6 a) and the second strip (6 b) are each assigned on the basis of the first width (B1) of the first plug connector (2 a) and the second width (B2) of the second plug connector (2 d). In this illustrative embodiment, the width (B1) of the first plug connector (2 a) and the width (B2) of the second plug connector (2 b) are identical and greater than the third width (B3) of the third plug connector (2 c) and the fourth width (B4) of the fourth plug connector (2 d). The first strip (6 a) has a width (b1) which is identical or equal to the first width (B1) of the first plug connector (2 a). The width (b2) of the second strip (6 b) is also identical or equal to the second width (B2) of the second plug connector (2 b). Both the first strip (6 a) and the second strip (6 b) have a legend (12) in the region of the first plug connector (2 a) and of the second plug connector (2 b) respectively.

The housing (1) in FIGS. 1 to 8 can be designed as a housing (1) of an electronic unit and/or a pneumatic unit. If the housing (1) is designed for an electronic system, the corresponding plug connectors (2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d) are designed as electronic or electric plug connectors. If the housing (1) is designed for a pneumatic unit, e.g. an ABS modulator, the corresponding plug connectors (2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d) are to be interpreted as pneumatic plug connectors or terminals and designed accordingly. The invention is not restricted to the illustrative embodiments shown and encompasses any combination of these illustrative embodiments. 

1. Housing (1) for a connecting unit, in particular an electronic unit, having at least one first plug connector (2 a) and one first plug axis (4 a) of the first plug connector (2 a), characterized in that the housing (1) has a first strip (6 a), a first longitudinal axis (8 a) of the first strip (6 a) being disposed in a first spatial plane (10 a) with the first plug axis (4 a) of the first plug connector (2 a).
 2. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) has at least one second plug connector (2 b) with a second plug axis (4 b) and a second strip (6 b), a second longitudinal axis (8 b) of the second strip (6 b) being disposed in a second spatial plane (10 b) with the second plug axis (4 b) of the second plug connector (2 b).
 3. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (1) has at least one third plug connector (2 c) with a third plug axis (4 c) and a third strip (6 c), a third longitudinal axis (8 c) of the third strip (6 c) being disposed in a third spatial plane (10 c) with the third plug axis (4 c) of the third plug connector (2 c).
 4. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first, second and/or third strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) has a different surface finish from the housing surface (1 a).
 5. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) is disposed in a manner recessed relative to the housing surface (1 a), in particular by the depth t.
 6. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) is disposed in a manner raised relative to the housing surface (1 a), in particular by the height h.
 7. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first, second and/or third strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) has a legend (12).
 8. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first, second and/or third strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) are disposed parallel to one another.
 9. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first, second and/or third strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) is disposed perpendicularly to the first, second and/or third plug axis (4 a, 4 b, 4 c).
 10. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first, second and/or third strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) is disposed so as to start from the first, second and/or third plug connector (2 a, 2 b, 2 c) and to extend as far as an outline edge (1 b) of the housing surface (1 a).
 11. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width (b1, b2, b3) of the first, second and/or third strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) corresponds at the maximum to the width (B1, B2, B3) of the first, second and/or third plug connector (2 a, 2 b, 2 c).
 12. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first, second and/or third strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) are of the same width (b1, b2, b3).
 13. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the width (b1, b2, b3) of the first, second and/or third strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) corresponds at the maximum to the minimum width (B1, B2, B3) of the first, second and/or third plug connector (2 a, 2 b, 2 c).
 14. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first, second and/or third strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) is disposed perpendicularly to the housing side (1 c) with the higher number of plug connectors (2 a, 2 b, 2 c).
 15. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first, second and/or third strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) is disposed perpendicularly to the housing side (1 c) with the greater width (B1, B2, B3) of the first, second and/or third plug connectors (2 a, 2 b, 2 c).
 16. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first, second and/or third strip (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) is disposed parallel to the longest housing side (1 c).
 17. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the first strip (2 a) is disposed asymmetrically on the housing (1).
 18. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to claim 17, characterized in that the first strip (2 a) is at a distance d from at least one outline edge (1 b) of the housing surface (1 a).
 19. Housing (1) for a connecting unit according to claim 18, characterized in that the distance d corresponds to the width (b1) of the first strip (2 a). 